About Us

Indian Association Manchester, organises cultural events throughout the year and nurtures emerging artists by giving them a platform to showcase their talent and helps develop their artistic talent by providing workshop sessions & through mentoring.
Dashehra Diwali Mela is the largest Diwali event in the North of England, it has been established since 2006. Dashehra Diwali Mela offers community artists an opportunity to engage with arts as participants in the workshops programme and in the parade as well as members of the audience.

Dashehra

This hugely popular festival falls on the 10th day of the waxing moon during the Hindu month of
Ashvin (around September or October).
On this day, Lord Ram, the hero of the great Hindu epic, Ramayan, killed the 10-headed demon
king Ravan, who had abducted Lord Ramâ€™s wife, Sita. It is believed that Lord Ramâ€™s brother
Lakshman, along with an army of monkeys, fought a colossal battle that lasted 10 days. Lord
Ram killed the evil Ravan on the 10th day.

Diwali

"The Festival of Lights" - signifies the end of darkness which stands for ignorance and the
beginning of knowledge symbolized by lights. Lamps are lit as a sign of celebration and hope for
mankind. Celebrations focus on lights and lamps, and fireworks.
Both festivals commemorate the victory of Good over Evil.

Performances

A family fun day filled with the vibrant spirit of the Mancunians showcasing their talent. We have three stages for performances from professional and community artists. The breath-taking performances of the main stage from Bollywood to bhangra, from classic to contemporary is destined to captivate the audience through their extraordinary performances. Check out the pulsating action from the Marquee stage through music, dance, percussion, and many more to enthral the audience.Discover the spirit of community and cultural cohesion through our performances in the Central library.

Vallisa Chauhan

Presenter Sunrise Radio

Raj Ghai

Presenter Sunrise Radio

Global Grooves (NPO)

Street Theatre (Roaming)

Dancing Maharajas

Bollywood Brass Band

Nachda Sansaaor

Russell Kirk

Circus House

Global Grooves (NPO)

Nachda Sansaaor

Russell Kirk

Finale Show

FINALE SHOW AROUND 7.30 TO 8PM

Bollywood Inferno
After dark a beautiful lantern procession will lead into an amazing finale show Bollywood Inferno '
is a collaboration of Salford based Walk the Plank with Greenwich based and internationally
renowned 'Bollywood Brass Band', the UK’s pioneering Indian-style band, playing the great tunes
and compulsively danceable rhythms of Bollywood. The show will include stage and other low-
level pyrotechnics.

Activities

Manchester Central Library

Try your hand at the ancient Indian arts of Henna painting (mehndi), face painting, lantern making and balloon modelling with guidance from professional artistsManchester Central Library
Lantern Making Workshop on
Saturday 05th October 2019 between 11:00 â€“ 13:30 and 14:00 â€“ 16:00

Saturday 12 October 2019 between 13:00 â€“ 17:30Get involved!! Make a Lantern for Diwali and join the street procession!

Manchester Central Library will be the venue for family workshops to make fabulous lanterns for the Dashehra Diwali Mela celebrations which will be held on Saturday 12th October.
The lantern making workshops will take place in Manchester Central Library on Saturday 05th and 12th October, at the times specified above and are free for ages 7+ and their families.
All those taking part in either workshop will take part in the main procession on 12th October at 19:00 hrs in the evening, leading into the spectacular finale performance and firework display in Albert Square. Don't miss the chance to be part of this exciting event.
The workshops are free but bookable and are specifically for people who can take part in the Diwali Lantern Parade on the evening of Saturday 12th October. Please only book a free ticket if you can attend the parade between 6:30pm to 8:pm For more info and to register, visit librarylive.co.uk